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Do you know why they call him the Riddler? One would be inclined to believe that it was on account of his stupid obsession with giving people riddles. Silly, stupid, child-like riddles. Ok, some could be challenging. Riddles to which you had better answer correctly, or it's your ass. But you wouldn't be a hundred percent right if you thought this. It wasn't just about riddles. That was far too simple with a guy like Nygma.
See, the Riddler prides himself on his intelligence. The man actually was a genius. A genius who happens to be his own biggest fan. Therefore, when someone encounters an unsolvable problem, it was the Riddler that they went to see. Since he's a cocky prick, he claims there's no puzzle he can't solve. That was the real reason they called him the Riddler. And to date, there's never been a puzzle he couldn't solve.
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But Edward Nygma had no loyalties to the underworld. He'd work for us, he'd work for cops. And even on a few occasions, for both Bruce Wayne and Batman. It was all the same to Nygma, as long as he was paid in full for his services. And he always is, because everyone knows the aloof man had a bad side. As I said, this man specialized in unsolvable. Therefore, coming after you, your kids, your parents, was a walk in the park.
When I was with Bruce, I saw the Riddler as a criminal. He is. But that was all I saw him as. But now, as the Joker, I saw him as a turncoat. I didn't trust him to not sell me out if it meant he got something out of it. I saw him as a potential threat. But I was desperate to find Harley. And because I was, I ran into a problem. I had a puzzle I couldn't solve. Therefore, I was calling on the Riddler for help. I didn't like it. I didn't trust it. But as I said, I am desperate. I don't have a fucking choice.
I sat in the back seat as Johnny drove. In the passenger seat Ace keeps a watchful eye for anyone trying to follow us. In my hand I hold my phone. On the screen was a picture of Harley that I took while she was sleeping. God I missed her. It was all my fault that she wasn't sitting right next to me. I had to get her back. I would get her back. No matter what and not a goddamn thing would stop me.
I close my eyes a moment, then turn a blank stare out the window. I just couldn't seem to get away from the slums of Gotham. I spent half my childhood in one, learning only to survive. Survival of the fittest by any means necessary. Then I get to Wayne Manor, thinking it's goodbye to those rough streets. Wrong. My days were for school, and my night's brought me right back to those old neighborhoods. Right here. And now, as the the Joker, I run them. Own them. And when they're your bread and butter, you come to appreciate them.
